Primary caregivers of young children are unaware of food neophobia and food preference development

Abstract

Issues addressed This research explored primary caregivers' awareness of food neophobia and how food preferences develop in young children aged between 1 and 2.5 years. Methods: This qualitative study used case study methodology and comprised interviews with 24 primary caregivers of young children aged between 1 and 2.5 years. Results and conclusions: Primary caregivers of young children are unaware of food neophobia and food preference development in young children. So what? Raising primary caregivers' awareness of food neophobia and how food preferences develop in young children may encourage caregivers to decrease their children's exposure to non-core foods.